252 Vaishnav Varta 77 - A Kunbi, who saw Gopal dancing in the grass

Now the sentiment of the Varta of another Kunbi, a sevak of Shri Gusainji, a resident of Gujarat, is told.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): He is a “sattvik” devotee. In the lila his name is “Charugop.” He is the bhav-form of that “suva.” He is a sakha of Shri Thakurji. He is supremely enchanted. He lives among the cows of Nandalay. Therefore Shri Thakurji always remains pleased with him. He was born in Gujarat in the house of a Kunbi.

Prasang 1 - Becoming a sevak, and being appointed to graze the cows of Shri Govarddhan Nathji

So, once, with the group of Vaishnavs of Gujarat, he was coming to Shri Gokul, for the darshan of Shri Gusainji, for the purpose of Shri Vraj. In that group, that Kunbi too was coming. In his bundle there was no expense-money. So on the road he went on picking up “upra.” Reaching the halt, he would get down. Then he would distribute that upra to the Vaishnavs. Then those Vaishnavs would cook. He would come while doing their service. The Vaishnavs would bring him mahaprasad. So, moving about, he would take everyone’s mahaprasad and come. Doing like this, he reached Shri Gokul. Then he did darshan of Shri Gusainji. After that Shri Gusainji went to Shrinathjidwar. Then that Kunbi too went along. There, near Shri Gusainji, he received a name. After that Shri Gusainji, having extreme mercy on him, himself got his atma-nivedan done. After that he did darshan of Shri Govarddhan Nathji. Then that Kunbi became very, very pleased.

Then Shri Gusainji asked that Kunbi, what work did you do there at your place? Then the Kunbi said, Maharajadhiraj! I used to graze cows there. Then Shri Gusainji gave the order to graze Shri Govarddhan Nathji’s cows—that you, being pleased, graze Shri Govarddhan Nathji’s cows. Then Shri Gusainji said to the cowherds, take him daily into the cows. And he told the mahaprasadi kitchen about taking prasad, that give him mahaprasad daily. So from that day he daily grazed Shri Govarddhan Nathji’s cows. And he took from the mahaprasad kitchen. He did the service of the cows with mind engaged. He did the service of the cows in such a way as one does the service of Shri Thakurji. He wiped the cows with his own shawl. He did not let any living creature or insect touch the cows. He kept the place clean. Seeing such service of the cows, Shri Govarddhan Nathji became very pleased.

Then, among the cows, he got darshan of Shri Govarddhan Nathji. Then, there in the forest, Shri Govarddhan Nathji distributed chhak. Then Shri Govarddhan Nathji gave him four laddus. Then this Vaishnav, from those, kept two laddus aside, and ate them at night. From that time, that Kunbi never went to eat in Shri Govarddhan Nathji’s mahaprasadi kitchen. Then the cook asked him, why do you not come to the kitchen to take mahaprasad? Then that Kunbi said, my stomach gets filled there itself in the forest with laddus. Therefore, why should I come to the kitchen to eat? Then the cook asked, from where do you get laddus there in the forest? Then this Kunbi-Vaishnav said, Shri Govarddhan Nathji, when he distributes chhak in the forest, then right there he gives me four laddus. Then that cook told this matter to Shri Gusainji, that—Maharaj! Shri Govarddhan Nathji gives laddus to this Kunbi in the forest. Then Shri Gusainji said, seva is such a thing: whoever does the service of the cows with inner-heart and in a good manner, to him Shri Govarddhan Nathji gives darshan right there.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Why so? Because Shri Govarddhan Nathji is dependent on devotees. And among devotees, the Vraj devotees are the श्रेष्ठ (best). Therefore Shri Govarddhan Nathji is under the control of the Vraj devotees. As the Vraj devotees make him dance, so he dances. As they make him sit, so he sits. When they make him rise, then he rises. Thus he remains dependent. And the form of the Vraj devotees are these cows. Therefore Shri Govarddhan Nathji considers service of the cows as service of the Vraj devotees. Therefore he becomes pleased quickly. Service of the cows is such a thing. A Vaishnav should daily do the service of the cows with bhav, by which Shri Govarddhan Nathji becomes pleased quickly.

Prasang 2 - Hearing “nachat ras mein Gopal,” and saying “nachat ghas mein Gopal”

Again, once, in Aring, ras happened. All the Vaishnavs went to see it. Then that Kunbi Vaishnav too went along to see the ras. There, the rasdhari sang this kirtan:

राग मालव | Rāga Mālav

नाचत रास में गोपाल संग मुदित घोषनारी । तरुतमाल स्यामलाल कनकबेलि प्यारी। चलनितंब किकिनी कटि लोल बंक ग्रीवा। राग तान मान सहित बेनुगान सीवा। भ्रमजलकन सुभर भरे रंग रेन सोहें कृष्णदास प्रभु गिरिधर व्रजजन मन मोहें ।

In the rās, the joyful cowherd women dance with Gopāl. They are dark like tamāl trees, and dear like golden vines. Their hips move as they walk, the little bells at their waists tremble, and their necks are gracefully curved. They are adorned with rāga, tān, and mān, and they are served by the song of the flute. With sweat-drops filled and brimming, and with the dust of colors upon them, they look beautiful; Kṛṣṇadās says: Lord Giridhar enchants the hearts of the Vraj people.

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So, in this pad, it was said, “nachat ras mein Gopal.” Then, hearing this, that Kunbi Vaishnav said, “nachat ghas mein Gopal.” Hearing so, all the Vaishnavs became greatly astonished. Then all the Vaishnavs asked Shri Gusainji this matter, Maharaj! What is this Vaishnav saying? Then Shri Gusainji said, both are speaking true words. Because the rasdhari sings “nachat ras mein Gopal”—that is said in Shri Bhagvat, so he says it. And this Vaishnav, who says “nachat ghas mein Gopal,” he truly says this—that with the cows, among the grass, in the pasture, Shri Govarddhan Nathji daily dances. Therefore he is saying what he himself has seen. Seva is such a thing by which Shri Govarddhan Nathji becomes pleased. Shri Govarddhan Nathji loves cows very much. So that Kunbi Vaishnav was such a grace-receiving bhagvadiya of Shri Gusainji, through whom Shri Govarddhan Nathji made such experiences known. Therefore, up to where should his varta be told?

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252 Vaishnav Varta 76 - A Kunbi, with the garland of sankhahuli flowers

Now the sentiment of the Varta of a Kunbi, a sevak of Shri Gusainji, a resident of Gujarat, is told.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): He is a “tamas” devotee. In the lila his name is “Badami.” He is Shri Thakurji’s “suva,” and is the bhav-form of that. Seeing that suva, Shri Thakurji remembers Shri Swaminiji’s nose. Therefore he keeps him day and night in his own kunj. He makes him drink the nectar of sound. By drinking that, in that suva many kinds of bhavs appear. All those become manifest directly. Of those bhavs, there is one yuth (group). In that yuth, “Badami” is a sakhi.

He was born in Gujarat in the house of a Kunbi. When he became fifteen-twenty years of age, after that, when Shri Gusainji came to Gujarat the second time for the darshan of Dwarkaji, then in his village he had made a stay. Then he too, along with the Vaishnavs, became a sevak.

Prasang 1 - The garland of sankhahuli flowers

So, in one group, from Gujarat, they were coming to Shrinathjidwar for the darshan of Shri Nathji. In that group, that Kunbi too was coming. But he had nothing for expenses. So, in the group, he came while doing service to all the Vaishnavs. And at the Vaishnavs’ places he would move about and bring prasad. Sometimes he took one person’s prasad, sometimes another person’s prasad. Doing like this, when the group came near Shri Gokul, then all the Vaishnavs became joyful. They began to arrange their offerings. And that Kunbi Vaishnav became very worried. That, I have nothing with me; how will I do dandvat to Shri Gusainji with empty hands?

Then the Kunbi Vaishnav, thinking in his mind, saw many very good sankhahuli flowers in the grass on the ground there. Picking them, he made one garland of flowers. He took that garland in his hand, wrapped it in wet cloth, and carried it as he came. Then, in that Kunbi’s mind, much anxiety began to arise—that these flowers will wither; then what will I do?

Then Shri Gusainji is the inner-knower, the helper of the poor. So he, after taking food, mounted on a horse and went toward the far side of Shri Yamunaji. At that time Shri Gusainji thought in his mind, the sankhahuli flowers are very delicate. That my Vaishnav has made a garland—if that garland withers, then he will have very great sorrow. Then, showing mercy on that Vaishnav, Shri Gusainji came in front of him.

That Vaishnav saw Shri Gusainji. Then in the Vaishnav’s mind there was great joy. Then Shri Gusainji said to that Vaishnav, bring that garland of sankhahuli flowers. Then the Kunbi Vaishnav put the garland on Shri Gusainji and did dandvat to Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji immediately turned back from there. Then that Vaishnav came to Shri Gokul along with Shri Gusainji.

That Kunbi was such a grace-receiving bhagvadiya of Shri Gusainji. Therefore, up to where should his varta be told?

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252 Vaishnav Varta 75 - Birbal’s Daughter

Now the sentiment of the Varta of Birbal’s daughter, the sevakini of Shri Gusainji, who lived in Agra, is told.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): She is a sattvik devotee. In the lila her name is “Rasikpriya.” She is the bhav-form of “Madonmatta.” She is an intimate sakhi of Shri Thakurji. Therefore Shri Thakurji loves her very much.

Prasang 1 - Coming into the refuge of Shri Gusainji, and the answer given to the king

So, once Shri Gusainji came to Agra. Then he stayed at a Vaishnav’s house. Near that was Birbal’s house. It was the days of the hot season. Shri Gusainji was sitting in the chajja, in the jharokha. Then, from the jharokha, he saw Birbal’s daughter. He saw an astonishing form. Then it came into her mind that—if I become his sevak, then it is good. After that she asked her father, that—if you say so, then I will go into the refuge of Shri Gusainji. I will become a sevak. Then Birbal said, be so happily. After that, she went and met the woman of Rai Purushottamdas’s house. She was indeed a sevakini of Shri Gusainji. She said to that woman, you go and tell my request to Shri Gusainji, that he should make me a sevak. Then that woman made a request to Shri Gusainji, that—Maharaj! Birbal’s daughter is making a request, that get my naam-nivedan done. Then Shri Gusainji said, good. After that, he gave the name. Then Birbal’s daughter made a request to Shri Gusainji for atma-nivedan. Then Shri Gusainji said, do a fast tomorrow. Then we will get the atma-nivedan done. After that she did the fast. The next day he got the atma-nivedan done.

After that Shri Gusainji stayed there one month. He used to tell katha daily. Birbal’s daughter sat among the Vaishnavs’ women and listened to the katha. Whatever things Shri Gusainji said, she wrote all those things in her heart. She was such a grace-receiving bhagvadiya. After that Shri Gusainji set his feet toward Shri Gokul. After that, at night, Vaishnavs would come to her house, and they would do Bhagvad-varta. Then she, sitting among those women, listened. She kept much closeness with the Vaishnavs’ women. Meeting, she went along.

So, once the king asked Birbal, O Birbal! By what manner does the Sahib meet? Then he gave many, many answers, but it did not fit rightly. The king did not accept. After that Birbal asked many, many swamis, asked the Vrindavanis. He told all to the king, but it did not fit rightly. The king said, such a thing I do not accept. And give the answer to this quickly. Otherwise I will loot your wealth and house—all. Then Birbal sat greatly distressed. Then his daughter asked, Bava! Why are you so absent-minded? Then Birbal said, what do you know in this matter? The answer of state-work is difficult. Then the daughter said, this matter must be told to me fully. After that, if I understand, then I will give the answer, otherwise not. But you must tell it. Then Birbal told all the news to his daughter—that the king asks like this: by what manner does the Sahib meet? I give the answer, but he does not accept. And I asked all the pandits and swamis and all the Vrindavanis. But the answer did not become correct. Then the king said, give the answer and proof of this matter, otherwise I will snatch away house and all. He said so; therefore I am anxious, and now what remedy should be done?

Then Birbal’s daughter said, had you gone to Shri Gusainji at Shri Gokul? Had you asked him? Then Birbal said, I have not asked him. Then the daughter said, you go to Shri Gokul and ask Shri Gusainji, what answer does he give for this? Without him, this answer will not be found. In the matter of Ishwar, Ishwar alone knows. Therefore you must go to Shri Gokul. There, immediately the answer will be found. Do not make doubt in this matter. After that, immediately Birbal left for Shri Gokul.

He arrived at the time of uthapan. He asked a Vaishnav for news of Shri Gusainji. Then the Vaishnavs said, Gusainji is in seva. Then he sat in the baithak. After that Shri Gusainji, coming out from seva, set his feet outside. Then Birbal, doing dandvat, made a request to Shri Gusainji: Maharajadhiraj! I have to ask one matter from the king. You sit in solitude and listen. I will say it. After that Shri Gusainji sent everyone away. Then Birbal told all the news, that the king said, what is the answer to this? Then Shri Gusainji said, the answer to this is—when I and the king meet, then the doubt will be removed. Therefore, if he has eagerness to hear this matter, then he will come to me. Then I will remove his doubt. So you tell the king, that he has said like this: if you have a purpose, then you go there. Saying so, if he comes here, then send him here; we will give the answer. Then Birbal went back to Agra. Then he told the news to the king. After that Birbal went home.

After that the king thought—this work is not of the open; it is of solitude. Thinking so, so that no one recognizes him, he alone, on a horse, himself mounting, in the latter night he rose, and simply, making an excuse of riding, tying weapons, he went. He came to Shri Gokul. At that time Shri Gusainji, after placing rajbhog, had gone to do bath and sandhya at Shri Yamunaji. Then the king did dandvat to Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji recognized that the king has come. Then Shri Gusainji sent all away, and after that asked the king, how have you come? What are you asking? Ask. Then the king said, by what manner does the Sahib meet? Then Shri Gusainji said, as I and you met.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this it was said: as in the worldly way you, the king, are greater than all. So when other men try to meet you, they make many means to please many people. But without your wish, meeting is difficult. And if at any time you think to meet someone, then you immediately meet him, and his coming-and-going runs. In the same way, when we think to meet you, we make means; but meeting is hard. And if you think to meet, then we meet immediately. Thus the jiv, thinking and thinking and making means, many days pass, but meeting is hard. And if Prabhuji thinks, that I should meet the jiv, then in this there is no delay at all. This Shri Gusainji said from his holy mouth.

Then the king, hearing such words, became extremely pleased. And he said, your sevaks call you Kanhaiya, so you truly are Kanhaiya. In this there is no doubt. After that he said, ask something from me. I am very pleased with you. Then Shri Gusainji said, we have no desire for any thing. Then he again said, good, but some seva like me—by grace, tell something. He said this with much insistence and stubbornness. Then Shri Gusainji said, good—since you insist so much, then there should be one horse such that in one ghari it goes five kos. And it should be very fine. Its gait should be very beautiful, so that one gets comfort in riding. And in your Aurangabad there lives one man. Keep him there. When going to Shrinathjidwar, then go along. After that keep the horse in Aurangabad.

After that, going to his house, the king called Raja Todarmal and said, keep such-and-such a horse in Aurangabad in this manner. And write to the hakim there, that its expense and the man’s expense and livelihood all be received from my royal door. And care for the horse. A man like that should remain there who goes with the horse. And at the time when Shri Gusainji gives the order, then keep it ready and prepared; remain in Shri Gusainji’s order. Saying so, in many ways he showed fear and said, do not fail even a little in this matter. And if there is a failure in this matter, then no one is worse than me. Saying this, after that Raja Todarmal did exactly as the king said.

So, when four gharis of the day rose, at that time, preparing the horse and adorning it, he brought it and made it stand on the far bank of Shri Yamunaji. Then Shri Gusainji, after adorning Shri Navneetpriyaji and offering Gopivallabh bhog, after that, wearing clothes, sat in the boat, crossed to the far side, and immediately mounted the horse and set his feet toward Shrinathjidwar. Then immediately, bathing at Govindakund, he set his feet up on Shri Giriraj. He adorned the original forms of Shri Govarddhan Nathji and others, offered Gopivallabh bhog, and taking leave from Shri Govarddhan Nathji, set his feet toward Shri Gokul. Then getting down from the horse, sitting in the boat, he crossed to the other side. Then the horse was taken to Mohanpur and tied. Its fodder, grass, grain—all were received from the royal door.

And Shri Gusainji, in the baithak, taking off all the clothes, gave them to the khavas; after that Shri Gusainji himself bathed in Shri Yamunaji, and in aparas only set his feet. He went toward Shri Navneetpriyaji. After that, getting anusar done, he took food. In this manner he did daily.

So Birbal’s daughter had such knowledge of Shri Gusainji’s form—no one knows this matter except her. She knew Shri Gusainji as directly the complete Purushottam. That Birbal’s daughter was such a grace-receiving sevakini of Shri Gusainji. She was bhagvadiya. Therefore, up to where should her varta be told?

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252 Vaishnav Varta 74 - Vaadhaji Rajput

Now the sevak of Shri Gusainji, a Vaadhaji, a Rajput, a resident of Gujarat, his account is told as the sentiment.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): So this Vaaghaji is a royal devotee. In the divine play his name is “Charumati.” So he is of the sentiment-form of “Madonmattaa.” He has one companion-friend. Her name is “Charumukhi.” She became Vaadhaji’s wife here. So there is extremely deep affection between the two. Both of them are intimate companion-friends of Shri Thakurji.

So, in one village of Gujarat, both of them were born in the house of Rajputs. When they became eight to ten years old, then the parents of both arranged the marriage of the two. After that, in a few days, when the wife became grown, she came to her own home. So Vaaghaji’s wife was very worthy and a devoted wife. So she remained under Vaaghaji’s command.

After that, when Vaaghaji became twenty years old, he served as an attendant in the kingdom. So one day Shri Gusainji was proceeding to Dwarkaji. So on the way, he came to Vaaghaji’s village. There Shri Gusainji set up his camp. So Vaaghaji saw many chariots, horses, and men along with Shri Gusainji. Then Vaaghaji asked Shri Gusainji’s men, “Which king’s army has come? Where is it today?” Then one Braj resident said, “This is not a king. He is the king even of kings, Maharajadhiraj. He is an Acharya, Jagatguru. Great kings are his sevak.” Then Vaaghaji asked, “What is his name? Where does he live?” Then the Braj resident said, “He is Shri Vitthalnathji Shri Gusainji. He is Shri Gokuladhipati.” Then Vaaghaji felt longing for Shri Gusainji’s darshan. After that he said to that Braj resident, “Will you get me his darshan?” Then he said, “Look, he is standing there.” Then Vaaghaji looked, and saw that Shri Govarddhandhar himself was standing there. He saw such a form, brilliance, and majesty. Then Vaaghaji came and made a request to Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj! Have mercy and make me your sevak. Today my fortune has risen, that I have had darshan of the complete Purushottam, whose beauty defeats crores of Cupids.” Then Shri Gusainji, knowing Vaaghaji to be a divine soul, took him into refuge.

After that Vaaghaji made a request, “Maharaj! Please come to my home and also take my wife into refuge.” Then Shri Gusainji, seeing Vaaghaji’s great insistence, had mercy and came to his home. Then he asked the wife’s name. Then he had both of them observe a fast and on the next day had them offer the formal offering. After that Vaaghaji requested, “Maharaj! Please bestow Bhagvat-seva. Then we will do the seva.” Then Shri Gusainji bestowed upon them the Bhagvat-svarup.

And near Vaaghaji’s house there lived a Vaishnav. He was a sevak of Shri Gusainji. So Shri Gusainji commanded Vaaghaji, “From this Vaishnav, ask and learn the entire method of seva.” After that Shri Gusainji departed from there. So Vaaghaji the Rajput learned the whole method of seva from that Vaishnav.

Prasang 1 - Proper Seva and the Ghee in Tavapuri

So that Vaaghaji Rajput and his wife, both of them, did Shri Thakurji’s seva in a good manner. They offered very beautiful, new and fresh materials to Shri Thakurji. They would call the Vaishnav daily. Daily one or two Vaishnavs would come for the maha-prasad. That was their rule: if, by chance, no Vaishnav came for the maha-prasad, then that day they would fast, and they would give all the maha-prasad to the cows. And the wife would sleep hungry. Such was their rule.

And Vaaghaji was an attendant at the royal court. So one day, he prepared Shri Thakurji’s tavapuri and chickpea dal in a thick preparation. And in the morning, after getting up, he invited one Vaishnav. Then he adorned Shri Thakurji, placed the adornment-food offering, and came outside. Just then a man from the royal court came and said, “The king’s procession is quickly going for hunting. He has called you at once.” Then Vaaghaji said to his wife, “I am going with the king’s procession, so I will come late—by afternoon. Therefore you place the royal offering for Shri Thakurji, have him take the offering, perform the aarti as per rule, and I have invited that particular Vaishnav, so I am telling him as I go—so you go quickly. He will come. Get him to take the maha-prasad, and after that cover the maha-prasad and keep it. When I come, then we will take the maha-prasad ourselves.” Saying this, he put on his clothes, tied his weapons, put the saddle on the horse, mounted, and left.

Then on the way there was that Vaishnav’s house. So calling him out, he said, “You quickly go home and take the maha-prasad. I have the time of Shri Thakurji, but I am going in the king’s procession.” After that, at the time of offering, the wife had a little ghee near her. After that, that Vaishnav came quickly and sat waiting.

After that Shri Thakurji informed Vaaghaji while he was in the king’s procession, “In the tavapuri there is little ghee, and it is sticking in my throat. So how will I eat?” Then Vaaghaji Rajput immediately turned the horse toward the house. He pressed the horse with his heels and struck two or four whip blows. Then the horse ran, and at once, with the speed of the wind, he came home. After that he immediately got down from the horse, came into the house, and took the ghee vessel. Bringing ghee from the market, he came home, moved aside the curtain, closed his eyes, and in the bowl he offered ghee into the bhog. After that he at once mounted the horse again, pressed the horse with his heels, and went and met the king’s procession.

In that hurry, he did not even remain aware of his footwear. After that awareness came, “Look! I went into the temple wearing footwear. That was not proper.” After that, the Vaishnav who had been sitting saw that he had gone into the temple wearing footwear. So he thought, “This conduct of his is not proper. Therefore, without his knowing, I took the maha-prasad—yes, I took it. But now it is not proper to take it.” Thinking this, he got up silently from there and came to his home.

After that he told his wife all the news and said, “If Vaaghaji Rajput and his wife come to call me, then do not speak pleasantly; say that he took the maha-prasad and went to some village. He went for some worldly work.” So Vaaghaji Rajput’s wife did not know this matter at all. She was inside cleaning and cooking. Then she reached and went to have the offering accepted. Then she saw that in the temple a bowl of ghee had been filled. Then she remained astonished in her mind, “What is this? Perhaps Shri Thakurji has brought it.” After that she had the royal offering accepted. Performing the aarti as per rule, after that she came outside and looked—there was no Vaishnav. Then she came to the door and called. Then no one spoke. After that, that wife put on her clothes and went to that Vaishnav’s house to call him. Then at the door she called two to four times. Then that Vaishnav’s wife said, “He had some urgent work immediately, so he took the maha-prasad from the house and went to the village.” Then she came back, covered the maha-prasad, and herself became engaged in seva.

After that, at the time of uththapan, Vaaghaji Rajput came home. Then he asked his wife, “Did that Vaishnav take the maha-prasad?” Then the wife denied it, and said, “He came here and sat; when I placed the royal offering and came outside, I saw him sitting. And when I went to have the royal offering accepted, then I looked and there was no one here. After that, performing the aarti as per rule, I went to that Vaishnav’s house. Then the Vaishnav’s wife said, ‘He took the maha-prasad and went to the village.’ Therefore I came home and have covered the maha-prasad and placed it. And the wife asked, ‘Don’t know who filled and placed this bowl of ghee in the temple?’”

Then Vaaghaji Rajput said, “Shri Thakurji informed me that the dry tavapuri is sticking in my throat; there is little ghee. Then I immediately came and placed ghee, and after that I went into the procession. Then that Vaishnav, sitting there, saw it. But in the hurry I did not remain aware of my footwear. So wearing footwear, I offered ghee in the temple. After that I went there. Then awareness came. Then I thought in my mind, ‘May it not enter that Vaishnav’s mind’” So it happened. So, considering that conduct, he went back.

After that Vaaghaji Rajput went again to call that Vaishnav and came to his house. But that Vaishnav was not found at home. His wife said, “He has not come. Don’t know to which village he has gone? And when he will come—he did not say.” Thus that Vaishnav’s wife said. Then Vaaghaji Rajput returned to his home. After that Shri Thakurji lay down to rest. After that, upon reaching, the wife said, “Give this maha-prasad to the cows.” So the maha-prasad was given to the cows. And both of them slept hungry. And Vaaghaji became irritated with his wife, “Why did you keep so little ghee? Because of that Shri Thakurji had to come there, and so much trouble happened.” Then the wife said, “I kept what I always keep. I did not know it like this, I did not understand.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): So in this account, this is shown—that one should do seva and the planned offering with great carefulness. One must keep all materials and articles, and every sentiment, after thinking and understanding. There should not remain any deficiency in any matter. Otherwise, the Lord experiences strain.

After that, in the morning, getting up, she again cooked and placed the bhog for Shri Thakurji. After that, again Vaaghaji Rajput went to call that Vaishnav. But he was not found. Thus, until evening, two or three times they went to call that Vaishnav. But that Vaishnav was not found. Then on the second day also, the maha-prasad was given to the cows. And the wife and he—both of them—slept hungry.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because this is the practice of this path: until the invited Vaishnav takes the maha-prasad to his own home, until then one should not take the prasad oneself. Then the feeling of being a sevak becomes established. From that, humility arises, awareness of one’s own fault arises, and then the Lord becomes pleased.

After that, that Vaishnav’s Lord, Shri Thakurji, said to that wife, “I am going.” Then that wife said to Shri Thakurji, “Why are you going?” Then Shri Thakurji said, “Why did your master come hungry from Vaaghaji Rajput’s house? There Shri Thakurji asked him for ghee. So, in haste, he came and offered ghee. So in haste, the awareness of footwear and clothes did not remain—so what happened? This is the manner of love.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here this doubt is: why did Shri Thakurji say like this? The practice of Shri Acharyaji’s path is this—that one places bhog only in a state of separation from impurity. And if, by chance, in love one becomes overwhelmed and forgets that separation from impurity, then even when awareness comes, one removes that impurity-separation. Then did Vaaghaji not remove it? There it is said: Vaaghaji moved aside the curtain, closed his eyes, and separately offered the bowl of ghee. So the ghee is rasa, therefore it is not without rasa. And the separation from impurity was not touched. If he had touched the vessels and such of the separation-from-impurity, then he would have removed it. In love, awareness of footwear and clothing did not remain. That love is of the Bhagvat-svarup. Then how can any rule touch it? All rules are for making love manifest. That became proven in Vaaghaji. Therefore Shri Thakurji spoke in this way.

There, someone may say: “For the sevak of Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji, love is already established from the beginning. Then why do they keep impurity-separation and rule in seva?” There it is said: in an ordinary state, one must certainly follow rule. Because this is the rule that Shri Acharyaji made manifest. Shri Acharyaji is the revealer of the Pushti-path. Therefore one should perform the act of seva according to his command as the authority. Then the Lord becomes pleased. Therefore seva should not be done in an imagined manner. Shri Acharyaji says in the Navratna Granth this shloka: सेवाकृतिर्गुरोराज्ञा बाधन वा हरीच्छया।

Therefore, the act of seva should be done according to the Guru’s command. If obstruction comes by Hari’s will, then there is no fault in that. Understanding this, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji, in the ordinary state, follow that rule. By following this rule, Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji become pleased. Therefore, their refuge becomes established. With this sentiment, the sevak of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji keep the rule. But when there is the Lord’s special command, then love becomes full. Then, becoming overwhelmed in love, the rule automatically falls away. That is not an obstacle. Why? Shri Acharyaji says in the Vivek-dhairyashray Granth this shloka: “विशेषतश्चेदाज्ञा स्यादतःकरणगोचरः । तदा विशेष गत्यादि भाव्यं भिन्नं तु दैहिकात् ।

Therefore, if there is the Lord’s special command, then one should follow the Vaishnav in that manner. That is not an obstacle. Therefore here, when Vaaghaji received the command, then moving aside the curtain he offered ghee in bhog. That he did correctly.

At that time Vaaghaji closed his eyes. That too was following Shri Acharyaji’s rule. Because at the time of bhog, Braj devotees have the Lord partake of the materials. At that time, looking is not within the living being’s right. Therefore Shri Acharyaji established the method of the curtain. Therefore Vaaghaji, closing his eyes, offered the bowl of ghee. He followed the practice of the path.

But your master came home and took the maha-prasad. And those husband and wife have been hungry for two days. Therefore you showed such hardness, that those Vaishnavs remained hungry for your sake, and you took the maha-prasad in enjoyment. Therefore I cannot remain here. Thus he said in a dream.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): So this husband and wife, in the divine play, are companions of Charu-rati. The wife is “Bhaktini,” and the man’s name is “Anandini.” Therefore, having mercy on them, he indicated this matter. Otherwise, blame upon the mistress would have happened. Then both would have been spoiled. Therefore the Lord is supremely compassionate.

Then that wife woke up with a start. She told all this news to her husband. Then that Vaishnav at once put on clothes and came to Vaaghaji Rajput’s door and called out. Then Vaaghaji opened the door. Then, joining his hands, he fell at his feet and said, “Forgive my offense, that I took the maha-prasad to my own home, and kept you both hungry for two days. I did such a deed.” After that, what Shri Thakurji said to the wife in the dream, he told all that to Vaaghaji Rajput. And he considered his conduct and told the whole true matter as his own fault.

After that, that Vaishnav said to Vaaghaji Rajput, “Now you, husband and wife, take the maha-prasad. And if you keep my portion held back, then give that to me too. I will take it.” Then Vaaghaji Rajput said, “We gave the maha-prasad to the cows. We did not keep even a little.” Then that Vaishnav insisted greatly and stubbornly, and said, “If you give the command, then I will bring the Balbhog prasad from my house.” Then Vaaghaji Rajput said to his wife, “Do we have any Balbhog maha-prasad?” Then the wife said, “A little bit is there.” After that, they gave that maha-prasad to that Vaishnav. And the husband and wife also took a little. After that he became satisfied and went to his home.

After that, the next day, he got up early, awakened Shri Thakurji, placed the Balbhog, and quickly, without being called, came to Vaaghaji Rajput’s house and sat there. After that, Vaaghaji Rajput completed Shri Thakurji’s seva and adornment, the wife cooked, and then the royal offering was offered. After that, the time came. After that, having Shri Thakurji partake of the bhog and performing the aarti as per rule, after that, that Vaishnav, and the husband and wife—three persons—took the maha-prasad. After that there was joy.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Therefore Shri Thakurji could not bear the Vaishnav’s aarti. Whoever truly performs aarti from the heart, Shri Thakurji fulfills all his heartfelt desires.

That Vaaghaji Rajput, as a sevak of Shri Gusainji, was such a steadfast, grace-receiving Bhagvadiya. Therefore there is no end to his account—how far can his account be told?

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252 Vaishnav Varta 71 - Two renounced Vaishnavs

Now two renounced Vaishnavs, both sevaks of Shri Gusainji, lived together. The sentiment of their story is told.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): These two are from a village five kos beyond Rajnagar. There both were born in Brahmin families. The houses of both Brahmins were in one same courtyard. Therefore, these two played together as boys, ate and drank together. In this way, affection between the two greatly increased. Later, when both became five to seven years old, their parents made them sit to study with a pandya. So one learned ka-kha. And the other was dull, so he did not study anything. Then the parents of both got both married. Then the wives of both came. Those two were very bad women. They abused everyone and created quarrels. Whatever thing they found, they stole it and brought and gave it to their parents. So everyone in the house suffered great misery. While doing like this, within a few days, the parents of both left their bodies. Then these two discussed among themselves, “Brother! Now it is not proper to stay in the house. Because there is daily quarrel in the house, therefore it is better to go somewhere else.” Thus both decided. Then without telling anyone in the house, they left at night. They came to Rajnagar. There they begged and began to maintain their bodies. They stayed in the state of renunciation. They did not speak much to anyone, and they did not sit near anyone without a need. In this way they lived.

So at one time these two came to Asaruva for alms. There they came to the house of Bhaila Kothari. At that time Shri Gusainji Himself was seated in the house of Bhaila Kothari. Under the tree in the courtyard, he was washing his feet. There these two obtained Shri Gusainji’s darshan. Then seeing Shri Gusainji’s radiance and majesty, they remained astonished. With folded hands they stood. Then Shri Gusainji, looking towards both, smiling, ordered, “Why do you both wander from place to place like this? If you do some Bhagvan-bhajan, then you will become fulfilled.” Hearing Shri Gusainji’s words, both received understanding. They understood, “This is some great person. Otherwise, without knowing, without recognizing, who would say something like this?”

Then both, with folded hands, requested, “Maharajadhiraj! We do not understand anything in Bhagvad-bhajan. Troubled by quarrels, we left the house and in this way wandered from place to place. Today, from Your darshan, we have obtained supreme joy. Now we have come to your refuge. Therefore, please be merciful, take us into refuge, and explain to us the method of Bhagvad-bhajan.” Seeing the humility of both in this way, Shri Gusainji became very pleased. At that time Bhaila Kothari was standing nearby. To him, the Lord ordered, “Bhaila! Make both of these bathe, and bring them to Me in aparas.” Then Bhaila Kothari took both inside his house and made them bathe. Then he gave them new dhoti and uparna to wear. Both wore them, put on a necklace, applied tilak, took charanamrit, and in aparas came and stood near Shri Gusainji. Then Shri Gusainji, being gracious, got both to state their names. Then he ordered both, “Stay here for some days and keep company with Bhaila Kothari. Read the texts of Shri Acharyaji. Then for you, the entire path will become clearly manifest.” Then these two stayed at Bhaila Kothari’s place. As long as Shri Gusainji stayed there, they did service of the Lord, service of the Vaishnavs who came and went, and whatever happened, they did everything. Daily they listened to Shri Gusainji’s vachnamrit, and read Shri Acharyaji’s texts. Among them, one was attentive. He would daily press Shri Gusainji’s feet when Shri Gusainji lay down, and ask secret discourses. In this way he lived. Then whatever he did not understand, he asked Bhaila Kothari. He became a recipient of Shri Gusainji’s grace. And the other was ordinary. To him Shri Gusainji ordered, “You stay with him. Whatever he says, do that.” Then Shri Gusainji went to Shri Gokul. After that, these two remained in the state of renunciation. Both wandered together.

Prasang 1: The Order to Wander Together

So they had Shri Gusainji’s order, “You both wander together.” In that, one was a recipient of grace and one was ordinary. And to that ordinary renounced one, Shri Gusainji’s order was, “Whatever this Vaishnav says, do that.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because these two are connected with lila. They are sattvik devotees. In lila, one’s name is “Mangala.” He became the recipient of grace here. And the other’s name is “Vama.” He became the ordinary renounced one here. He is “Mangala’s” companion. Therefore Shri Gusainji desired that these two should wander together and live together. So through the company of that recipient of grace, the work of this companion would be accomplished.

So after some days, there was a big village-town. They went there. In that village they stayed in the house of an old woman. In that village there was also another Vaishnav. In his house there was much prosperity. In his house Vaishnavs were invited. So someone came to call Vaishnavs from that old woman. Then there those two renounced Vaishnavs were also seen. Then that Vaishnav called them to the invitation, and brought them to his own house and took them. Then Shri Thakurji’s rajbhog was offered. Then Shri Thakurji’s aarti was done. Then Shri Thakurji’s darshan was done. They saw Shri Thakurji’s splendor. Then that recipient of grace said in his mind, “Everything is fine. But Shri Thakurji is in great anger, and is uninterested.” Then he said in his mind, “Brother! Why is Shri Thakurji like this?” Thus he was astonished.

Then plates were placed for all Vaishnavs. While serving his plate, the glance of a certain Vaishnav fell. Then when he looked, in the food materials all worms were wriggling. And he saw it as opposite. Then he said to the Vaishnav who was with him, “You leave from here. Here it is opposite.” He said this in a puzzled way. Still, the other did not agree. He said to himself, “Why should we leave such beautiful mahaprasad?” His mind was greedy, seeing many kinds of sweets. Then that one only said this much, and diverting his eyes from there, he slipped out and ran away. From that old woman’s house he took his khadiya and went. He did not stay in that village, lest someone call and insist. At a distance of three kos there was a village. Going there, he cooked, and offered Shri Thakurji a bhog of dal and vegetables. Then he took mahaprasad. And at night he stayed in that village.

Then the Vaishnav and other Vaishnavs said to the companion Vaishnav, “Where did the Vaishnav who was with you go?” Then he said, “How would we know?” Then they came searching for that old woman’s house. Then that old woman said, “He took his khadiya from here and went. And he went to such-and-such village.” Then all the Vaishnavs took mahaprasad. After that, the companion Vaishnav came to that old woman’s house. Then he asked the old woman, “Where did that Vaishnav go?” Then the old woman said, “He went to such-and-such village, three kos from here. And he told me, ‘Tell that Vaishnav that tomorrow when the day rises, by then I will be watching your path. You should come quickly.’ Saying this to me, he went.”

Then that Vaishnav slept. Then in the night, in a dream, it was as if he was eating blood and flesh. And he saw several other opposites too. Then in the morning he quickly got up and went. He met that Vaishnav. That Vaishnav had come and was sitting on his path. Then he said to him, “Did you see anything in the night?” Then the Vaishnav said, “I saw like this in a dream.” Then that Vaishnav said to him, “Do not touch me. I saw worms wriggling in the mahaprasad at that Vaishnav’s house. And I also saw Shri Thakurji displeased. Therefore, after telling you, I ran away from there. So my dharma remained. And you did not agree, you did taste for the senses. Therefore you lost your dharma. Still, it is good: now you have come following behind me. Now come, follow behind me. And do not touch me. Because Shri Gusainji has told me, ‘Keep him with you. Do not leave him anywhere.’ Therefore, we must obey the order. Later, going to Shri Gusainji, we will tell all this news.”

Then they walked on the path. They stayed at stages. That one would beg and bring alms. Then he would bring picked fuel. Then going near water, he would cook. He would offer bhog to Shri Thakurji. Then washing the plate, he would serve. The plate of the companion Vaishnav he would keep at a distance. Then both would take mahaprasad. But he would not let him touch any food material or anything. Doing thus, in some days they reached Shri Gokul. Then they took Shri Gusainji’s darshan, and did dandavat. Then that Vaishnav, whatever happened and whatever he did, told all in detail as news to Shri Gusainji. And he asked, “Raj! Why did he see such opposite? What is opposite there? Please, by grace, tell us.” Then Shri Gusainji said, “He had a daughter. He gave her to a householder. With him there were one thousand rupees. Leaving that with him, he had gone somewhere to a foreign place. By Bhagvad-ichchha, he died. The daughter’s marriage had not yet happened. Engagement had been done, she had been asked for. Hearing the news of his death, later, for the greed of money somewhere else, he married the daughter to some old householder. After that, by Bhagvad-ichchha, in some days he died. Then bringing his wealth and the daughter, he kept them in the house. And his whole family was there, fighting with them, giving some wealth to the hakim, and taking others’ shares, he did not give anything to anyone. He kept everything. So with that daughter’s wealth, he prepared all the materials and made his own name. So Shri Thakurji does not accept it. And it gives insult to My honor, therefore Shri Thakurji’s anger rises.

“One is that by the daughter’s connection, he took the boy’s wealth. Therefore his heart ached. So whatever is brought by making someone’s inner mind दुख (hurt), for him it becomes heat, and he suffers sorrow. He has quarrel and distress. Then his blood dries. That blood comes into that wealth. Such wealth Shri Thakurji does not accept. And whoever takes wealth of quarrel, his mind becomes pleased. Therefore his blood and flesh increase. And his blood dried. It is as if the wealth he ate went into his stomach. Such a person is like a demon. And the daughter’s wealth is greatly forbidden. It is not for Shri Thakurji’s work. And he also became impure. So the daughter’s wealth is like worms and flesh. So whatever वस्तु in that daughter’s house, even up to water, is impure. It is not proper for anyone connected with that to touch anything by hand. Whatever thing and wealth the mind desires does not come in Shri Thakurji’s work. Therefore two offenses fell upon you. One: you did not obey the order of that Vaishnav. And you ate the materials that were made from that wealth. Therefore this happened to you.” In this way Shri Gusainji explained to that companion Vaishnav. He made him hear this, and also told the one who had taken that food.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): The meaning of this story is this: A Vaishnav should cause Shri Thakurji to accept pure वस्तु and pure sattā. By making someone displeased, and by deceit and trickery, one should not take any thing, wealth, etc. Shri Thakurji does not accept such thing and wealth. Therefore, pure thing, through Shri Gusainji’s honor, Shri Thakurji accepts with relish in His own mouth. Therefore, if one does service according to the मर्यादा प्रमाण of the path, then Shri Thakurji becomes pleased. Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji, in this manner, the Lord accepts. That is: service should be according to the मर्यादा of Shri Acharyaji and Shri Gusainji. Otherwise, the Lord does not accept in the पुष्टिप्रकार. This became the सिद्धांत.

Then that Vaishnav asked Shri Gusainji, “Maharaj, what has happened has happened. But how will this offense now be removed?” Then Shri Gusainji said, “Now for one year, daily do virah, heat and distress, as if you are outside the Vaishnavs. And in the mind keep conduct and dharma properly and do them. But outwardly, in the worldly way, show renunciation among Vaishnavs. Then everyone will blame you. After that, come to Me.” So for one year he did as Shri Gusainji said. Then his blame also became very much. After that Shri Gusainji again gave him the ashtakshar updesh. Then He said to the Vaishnav, “Now you touch him.” So this is such a matter.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Here it is shown that in Pushtimarg, virah-tap is the main thing. Therefore all दोष are removed in a moment. The jiva becomes pure. And one should not become displeased by blame. Because blame is the remover of दोष.

So those two renounced Vaishnavs are such grace-receiving sevaks of Shri Gusainji. Therefore how far can their story be told.

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252 Vaishnav Varta 70 - Haitit Patit Rakshas

Now the sentiment-story of the degraded, fallen rakshas, the sevaks of Shri Gusainji, from Mahikantha, is told.

They, those degraded and fallen ones, in the land of Gujarat, on the riverbank at Mahikantha, were at an ashwatth (peepal) tree; there, in a ravine (gorge), they lived. One time, Chacha Harivanshji and Vaishnavs were going in Gujarat to Shrinathjidwar. On the way, they got lost. They came out by going into that ravine. Then, from upon that tree, two rakshas brothers, degraded and fallen, came and stood in front of those Vaishnavs. Then they looked terrible like a huge mountain. Then the Vaishnavs became afraid in their minds. And they said, “O brother! From where have these come here? Who are these?” Then those Vaishnavs said to Chacha Harivanshji, “Who are these who have come and blocked the path and are standing ahead?” 

Then Chacha Harivanshji came forward and asked them, “Who are you? For what reason have you come and are standing here?” Then those degraded and fallen ones said, “We are rakshas. We will eat all of you. We have come here in order to eat you.” Then Chacha Harivanshji asked the degraded and fallen ones, “Why are you standing? Why do you not eat?” Then those rakshas said, “When we come near you, it burns us; therefore we are standing. We cannot come close to you.” Then Chacha Harivanshji again said, “Why have you stood blocking the path? You will not be able to eat us. In our body the Lord of the fourteen worlds resides. Therefore leave the path.” Then those two rakshas brothers said, “You are a great Vaishnav, a devotee of Bhagvan. You are a great exalted person. We have come for your darshan. We have had darshan, therefore we have gained knowledge. So do our upliftment and go. Free us from the pain of the preta-yoni.” 

Then Chacha Harivanshji said, “Go and bathe in this river.” After that, those two brothers bathed in the river and stood. Then Chacha Harivanshji spoke the name—the ashtakshar mantra—into their ears. And he put garlands on the necks of both. And he placed charanodak and maha-prasad into their mouths. At that very moment their preta-body left. A divine, extraordinary body became. After that, those two fell at the pure feet of Chacha Harivanshji, and kept their hands folded. Then the two brothers made a request and said, “You are truly Bhagvadiya. Without you, who can remove our preta-suffering? There is none like you in the three worlds. Therefore what favor can we do for you? We have no such wealth.” In this way the two brothers requested again and again. Then, by the mercy, strength, and power of Shri Gusainji, the messengers of Shri Thakurji brought these two into the lila.

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): In this story, the form of Chacha Harivanshji as a Vaishnav is shown—such a Vaishnav does not fear anyone. Because in his heart Shri Thakurji Himself resides, the Death of even Death. Therefore death and karma all fear him. So Paramananddasji has sung.

(राग सारंग | Rāga Sārang)

हरि कौ भक्त माने डर काके।जाके करजोरें ब्रह्मादिक देत सबै दंडौती जाके ॥ सिंघ सखा करि ग्राम बसावे यह विपरीत सुनी नहीं देखी।हाथी चढ़े कुकर की संका यहधों कौन पुरानन लेखी ॥ सुगम लोग अरु विगम मूढमति कृपासिंधु समरथ सब लायक।'परमानंददास' को ठाकुर दीनानाथ अभयपद दायक ॥

Why should one who is a devotee of Hari fear anyone? To the one at whose folded hands even Brahmā and the rest offer, and to whom all bow down. ॥

A lion is made a friend and settled in the village—such a reversal has neither been heard nor seen. An elephant is afraid to climb, fearing a dog—who has ever written such a thing in the Purāṇas? ॥

The easy folk and the difficult, the dull-witted too—this ocean of grace is capable and fit for all. The Lord of ‘Paramānanddās,’ the protector of the lowly, is the giver of the fearless state. ॥

✿✿✿

And Vaishnavs are very compassionate. Even if someone does them harm, they still do good to that person. They remove the suffering of that person’s birth and death. So Surdasji has sung.

(राग धनाश्री | Rāga Dhanāshrī)

ऐसो भक्त तरे और तारे।परम कृपाल परम दीनबंधु सरन गहे वाकौ दुःख निवारे ॥ सब सों मैत्री सत्रु नहीं कोई वाद विवाद सबन सों हारे।हरि कौ नाम जपे निस बासर संसय सोक ताप निवारे ॥ काम क्रोध ममता मद मत्सर माया मान मोह भ्रम हारे।निरलोभी निरवैर निरंतर कृष्ण रूप जब हदय बिचारे ॥ हरि कौ नाम सुने अरु गावे कृष्ण भजन करि दुःख ही दुरावे।'सूरदास' हरि रूप मगन भये गुन औगुन का पर नहीं आवे ॥

Such a devotee is carried across, and also carries others across. The supremely compassionate, the supreme friend of the helpless, removes that one’s sorrow when refuge is taken. ॥

With everyone there is friendship; there is no enemy. In all arguments and disputes, he yields to everyone. He repeats Hari’s name night and day, and removes doubt, grief, and burning distress. ॥

He casts away desire, anger, possessiveness, pride, envy, illusion, arrogance, infatuation, and delusion. When he continually reflects on Krishna’s form within the heart, he remains without greed and without enmity. ॥

He listens to Hari’s name and sings it, and by doing Krishna’s devotion he drives away sorrow itself. Sūrdās says: becoming absorbed in Hari’s form, he does not come to the end of virtues and faults. ॥

✿✿✿

So Chachaji is such a devotee of Bhagvan. Therefore when these rakshas came into his shelter, he remembered Shri Gusainji and made them hear the Name. So those two got the guru-connection. Therefore those two were uplifted; they attained the lila. So just as that Rajput’s daughter attained the lila, in the same way know this here too.

After that, all the Vaishnavs and Chacha Harivanshji came to Shri Gusainji at Shri Gokul. They had darshan of Shri Gusainji. Then, doing sashtang dandavat, and seeing the time (opportunity), Chacha Harivanshji told Shri Gusainji all the news about those two rakshas brothers. And he made a request to Shri Gusainji, “Maharajadhiraj! In the previous birth, who were these two brothers? And by what merit did this meeting happen to them and their upliftment occur? Kindly tell us everything.” 

Then Shri Gusainji said, “These two brothers were Vaishnavs in a previous birth. They were Shri Mali Brahmins, residents of Gujarat. They served Bhagvan very well. But they were poor. One time they had gone on pilgrimage to Braj. After completing the pilgrimage, they were returning home. On the way there lived a Harivansh-jan Vaishnav. These two brothers went to his house. But that Vaishnav was not at home; he had gone somewhere to the village for work. His wife was at home. Then that woman, knowing them as Vaishnavs, lodged them in the house. Then she gave all the ingredients for simple food. After that those two brothers drew water from a well, bathed, and offered bhog. Then taking maha-prasad, at night they did kirtan. After that that woman made those two sleep inside her house itself. She spread a beautiful seat and bedding. Then they slept on it. After that, on that woman’s body there were many ornaments. The house was very wealthy. 

Then at midnight the two brothers awoke. Then the younger brother said to the elder brother, ‘This woman has many ornaments, and in her house there is no one else. Therefore let us kill her, cover her face, remove all the ornaments, and take them away.’ In this way both brothers, thinking with perverse intellect, got up and began looking here and there. Then seeing a knife, taking it, one brother covered the woman’s face with cloth. One brother climbed onto her chest and struck her two times with the knife and took off all her ornaments. Then the two brothers ran away from there. In the night they went out ten to twenty kos. 

After that, that woman, becoming conscious, removed the cloth from her mouth, and then cried out. Then all the people came and gathered. Arrangements were made. Then the hakim’s men came and heard the whole matter. The hakim sent ten men to search for them; they chased, but did not find them. After that her husband came home. Then he heard the whole matter. Then he said to that woman, ‘Tell the whole matter in detail.’ After that he scolded his wife. He said a lot, ‘Why did you lodge them in the house? From today onward do not do such a thing.’ Then that woman said, ‘I lodged them knowing them to be Vaishnavs.’ After that she was treated with bandages and medicine. In a few days that woman became well.

And those two brothers were going on the road, toward home. On the way thieves and swindlers kept watch. Those thieves and swindlers followed them. By the riverbank, into that ravine, they misled them and took them. There they killed both of them. And the ornaments and wealth that had been stolen—those thieves took all of it. From that day those two Brahmin brothers became rakshas. They received the preta-yoni. This happened five hundred years ago. These are Vaishnavs of the Vishnuswami sampraday. Shri Thakurji remembered them and showed mercy. Then they got darshan of Vaishnavs. Then their fault was removed. Then they gained knowledge. Now, by obtaining our sambandh, they have attained their true state. They have reached the lila.”

Bhav Prakash (Revealing the Sentiment): Because, in the lila, these are the two sakhis ‘Naro’ and ‘Varo’. They manifested from ‘Chitrlekha’, therefore their form of sentiment is tamas. They belong to Chandrakala’s group. So here, by Chacha Harivanshji, after obtaining sambandh with Shri Gusainji, they attained the lila. Here a doubt may arise: “These two did not receive brahm-sambandh, so how did they attain the lila?” There it is said: just as through Krishnadas, that courtesan’s daughter attained the lila—after that, in the lila, Lalitaji, through Shri Swaminiji, had brahm-sambandh done—so for these two, Chandrakala had brahm-sambandh done through Shri Chandravali; know it so.

Therefore a Vaishnav should walk with reflection. From a great offense such a state happens. But by the company of Vaishnavs, by darshan, Bhagvan is attained. Therefore such is the company of such Vaishnavs. Such things Shri Gusainji said from His own mouth. Hearing this, Chacha Harivanshji and the Vaishnavs became very pleased. So those degraded and fallen ones are two such mercy-recipients, Bhagvadiya ones of Shri Gusainji. Therefore to what extent should their story be told?

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